Cafe Malabar Restaurant & Bar
★ 4.6 (659) · 
407 Swift St, Victoria, BC V8W 1S2, Canada
Phone: (780) 600-0005
Website: https://cafemalabar.ca/
Cafe Malabar Restaurant & Bar in Victoria is a 4.6-star Indian restaurant with 659 Google reviews, known for Kerala Fried Chicken and Chemeen Chatti Fry (Prawns).
Why we love it
- Kerala cuisine with South Indian influence
- Located near Near Store St and Swift St
- Authentic flavors, amazing ambiance, ocean view
- Attentive service with knowledgeable staff
- Kerala cuisine with South Indian influence
- Located near Near Store St and Swift St
- Authentic flavors, amazing ambiance, ocean view
- Attentive service with knowledgeable staff
What to Order
Kerala Fried Chicken
This fried chicken is a standout, praised for its juiciness and flavor, often served with a mild, tangy, and minty sauce.
"Juicy fried chicken with a mild but fresh, tangy and minty sauce."
Hunter Arcese
Chemeen Chatti Fry (Prawns)
A highly recommended prawn dish, noted for being perfectly spiced and incredibly tasty, often described as a standout item.
"The Chemeen chatti fry was hands down a standout — perfectly spiced and so tasty."
Sajitha Nair
Chicken Biryani
An authentic Malabar-style biryani, frequently compared to those found in Calicut, offering rich and traditional flavors.
"Haven't had this Biryani other than in Calicut. If you are looking for typical Malabar food, then this is the place to go."
Anitha Valappil
Kizhi Parotta Chicken
This chicken dish, often wrapped, is highlighted for its exceptional flavors and is considered a must-try by many.
"Every dish had flavours and the highlight for me was the Kizhi parotta chicken."
Somvanshi Kshatriya-Pathare
Homemade Breads (Parotta, Vattayappam)
The freshly made breads, such as Parotta and Vattayappam, are consistently praised as a highlight and a perfect accompaniment to curries.
"The homemade breads were a highlight."
Naomi Belcamino
Sulaimani Tea
A popular tea choice, often enjoyed for its unique flavor profile, though some suggest adding mint and lemon for an enhanced experience.
"The Chicken Biryani, Fried Chicken, Prawns, and Sulaimani were all spot on."
Akhil Kumar
Inside Scoop
- Make reservations, especially on weekends, as the restaurant is often busy and can have long wait times.
- Portion sizes can be on the smaller side for some dishes, which some reviewers found pricey for the quantity.
- The staff are knowledgeable and can help navigate the menu, explaining the regional origins and spices of the food.
- The restaurant offers a unique South Indian dining experience, distinct from typical Indian restaurants.
- Be prepared for a potentially slower service during peak hours due to the restaurant being packed.